File Change Semantics

Origin. Heim (1982, 1983). Context as file. Indefinites introduce. Definites require. Foundation of dynamic binding.

Models. Files with discourse referents. Cards for referents. Conditions as information. Familiarity theory.

Formalism.

File: F = ⟨Dom(F), Info(F)⟩. Dom(F): set of discourse referents (cards). Info(F): conditions on referents.

Context: Set of files. Represents possible ways discourse can be. Updates refine.

Indefinite (a/an): "A man" introduces new card. Fresh discourse referent. Adds to domain. Novel.

Definite (the): "The man" requires existing card. Presupposes familiarity. Must be in Dom(F). Anaphoric.

Update (indefinite): ⟦a man⟧(F) = F' where: Dom(F') = Dom(F) ∪ {x}. Info(F') = Info(F) ∪ {man(x)}. Extends file.

Anaphora: Pronouns pick existing referents. "He" selects card from Dom(F). Resolution from file.

Felicity: Context F appropriate for φ if: Presuppositions of φ satisfied in F. Definites have antecedents.

Novelty/Familiarity: Indefinites: novel (not in Dom). Definites: familiar (in Dom). Heim's condition.

Relation to DRT: Similar dynamics. Files ≈ DRSs. Different presentation. Both dynamic binding.

Symbols.

Metatheory. Dynamic binding. Novelty-familiarity. Presupposition. Anaphora.

Applies to. Anaphora. Definiteness. Discourse. Presupposition.

Limitations. Foundational/superseded. Less formalized than DRT. Specific to binding. Historical importance.